Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Race Car?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

A race car is a type of automobile that is designed or modified to be used in contests of speed with other vehicles. Some race cars are specifically designed from the ground up for this purpose, though others are stock vehicles that have been modified to varying degrees. One factor that often differentiates a race car from any other automobile is the lack of passenger seating, working doors, and other features that would increase the overall weight of the vehicle. Race cars can also be differentiated based on the types of competitions they are designed to participate in. Some race cars are built for straight line speed, while others require sufficient handling characteristics to run on a circuit, rally race, or tour.

The first automobile races occurred in the 1890s and typically consisted of touring events. Some early races involved each car driving between two cities separately, in which case the winning race car was the one with the best time. Later races pitted the cars directly against each other, though these competitions on public roads sometimes led to fatalities. Some of the first racing circuits were opened in the early part of the 20th century, including some that were converted from horse racetracks. As these different forms of racing began to take shape, many distinct types of race cars were developed.

Many technologies that were developed for the Grand Prix, Le Mans, and Indy race cars of the 1930s were late integrated into consumer automobiles.
Many technologies that were developed for the Grand Prix, Le Mans, and Indy race cars of the 1930s were late integrated into consumer automobiles.

One common type of race car is the formula one car, which descends from early grand prix motor racing. The reason that these race cars are referred to as formula cars is that they have to comply with a strict set of specifications. Typical designs include open cockpits, wheels that are outside the main body of the vehicle, and wings in the front and rear to help increase traction. These race cars are also purpose-built by the actual racing teams that operate them.

Rally cars are raced on dirt tracks.
Rally cars are raced on dirt tracks.

Stock car racing is another motorsport that makes use of a different type of race car. These vehicles are known as stock cars because they are typically modified versions of the production vehicles that normal motorists use. Different stock car racing organizations have varying rules and regulations, but the engines of these vehicles are usually highly modified and are sometimes engineered from scratch to offer much more power than production models.

Some race cars require significant handling to deal with the corners on a racing circuit.
Some race cars require significant handling to deal with the corners on a racing circuit.

Drag racing cars are specifically designed and built for short bursts of speed. Unlike formula, stock, and rally cars that all require significant handling characteristics to deal with the corners on a racing circuit or the terrain in a rally race, drag race vehicles only need good acceleration. Weight is usually a concern for this type of race car, and they typically use parachutes instead of brakes to safely decelerate.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

I enjoy playing race car games on the computer with my kids, but my eyes soon start to blur when I watch cars going round and round and round a track for hour after hour. Actually, I only watch for a few minutes at most, but you get the picture.

Sporkasia

I like the look of the formula one cars and would one day like to drive one around a track several time, or maybe I'll find a place that has old race cars for sale and buy one; or not.

Anyway, even though I prefer the look of the formula one cars, I don't enjoy formula one racing as much because there are fewer passes and less side by side racing than there is on the top stock car circuit.

Drentel

The article makes a valid point about the race cars called stock cars. That name is misleading because the cars that race have little resemblance to what we can buy at the local dealership. I wish my car did have some of the features of those vehicles we see zooming around the race car tracks.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many technologies that were developed for the Grand Prix, Le Mans, and Indy race cars of the 1930s were late integrated into consumer automobiles.
      By: AdrianEugen
      Many technologies that were developed for the Grand Prix, Le Mans, and Indy race cars of the 1930s were late integrated into consumer automobiles.
    • Rally cars are raced on dirt tracks.
      By: Lars Johansson
      Rally cars are raced on dirt tracks.
    • Some race cars require significant handling to deal with the corners on a racing circuit.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      Some race cars require significant handling to deal with the corners on a racing circuit.
    • In drag races, two cars are pitted against one another and have a very short length of track to cover to see which has the superior acceleration ability.
      By: John Heard
      In drag races, two cars are pitted against one another and have a very short length of track to cover to see which has the superior acceleration ability.
    • Indy Car Racing is one of biggest divisions of auto racing in the U.S.
      By: fotorf
      Indy Car Racing is one of biggest divisions of auto racing in the U.S.